Former President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, once said, “Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in end contribute most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness.” Farming is one of the most crucial aspects that make up a nation or region. Through social connection and distribution of bodily enriching goods, agriculture can easily become an important cornerstone of many communities. 

By engaging with the local community of New Haven through organized workshops and other visitor events, like their weekly Knead 2 Know presented series of food system research, Yale’s Sustainable Food Program is able to grow the importance of environmental education. 

“Roughly 40% of all food in America that’s produced is thrown away,” said Lawrence Tang ’26, a member of  the Yale Sustainable Food Program, “There’s so much labor involved with food production, especially agriculture produce production that is oftentimes minimalized.” The intensive process of where food comes from is an everyday privilege that often slips from the average American’s mind. We take for granted the mentally and physically demanding routines completed by farmers, which gives back to us through the produce in our fridge and the flowers in our vases.

 This acknowledgement allows us to appreciate the farmers whose limited space in urban towns creates an outlet for continuous creativity. 

Each simmering summer since the 1960s in Newington, Connecticut, Eddy Farm opens its stand to passersby. Said to receive nearly 200-300 customers per day, residents gather from July to October to purchase locally sourced fresh vitamin-rich fruits, vegetables, and home-grown cut flowers that incite a sea of satisfaction throughout the town.

“I’ll point out that no farm survives by competing against anyone,” Haley Bilipp ’08 wrote to the News. Eddy Farm is distinguished by simplicity, quality of business, and collaboration with other farmers to sell products through the Connecticut Flower Collective. By prioritizing the value of balance rather than expanding production, they learn to hone consistency and skill, ensuring financial and work-life stability. 

Eddy Farm’s roadside stop is home to a variety of locally sourced produce: sweet corn, squash, beets, potatoes, apples, berries and peaches, among others. The fall brings in its own selection as well, with festive pumpkins alongside popular turnips and carrots. Today, Eddy Farm has primarily shifted towards growing flowers, and the Bilipp’s take pride in their land practices, sharing on their website how they refrain from using synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers. Taking away the potential risk of water and soil contamination. 

The secret behind their plants begins with the balance of the soil. With the prioritization of additional minerals and routine tests, they can fight off unwanted pests and diseases to keep their plants flourishing and lively. Through the use of reusable ground cover sheets, they can manage and control pestering weeds.

All organic waste is composted, and they use drip irrigation to prevent water overuse and protect the health of the environment, with acknowledgement of their limitations.  “Of course, land is most ‘healthy’ when it is not maintained and can return to its natural state,” wrote Bilipp. 

Eddy Farm was originally bought in the 18th century by Captain Martin Kellogg and has since taken many forms over the years. In 2005, all 60 acres of Eddy Farm were declared protected for sole agricultural use, and it is currently on its fourth generation of family operation, with owners Haley and Andy Bilipp continuing the tradition of complex agricultural practice. 

“The closing on the Eddy Farm agricultural preservation easement on July 13th was a historic and great day for the Town of Newington,” Former Mayor Thomas B. McBride shares as documented on the Trust for Public Land. This binding promise, in collaboration with the Town of Newington’s Historical Society, holds strong the town’s commitment to fresh, local commodities to fuel its citizens and the well-being of Newington’s environmental health. Meanwhile, the owners of Eddy Farm work simultaneously behind the scenes to make these ecocultural components possible. 

Eddy Farm is located at 851 Willard Ave, Newington, Conn.

This article was written for the Yale Daily News’ 2025 Summer Journalism Program for high school students.